RALEIGH, N.C. — Averett University volleyball beat Meredith College 3-1 in conference action before falling 3-0 in a non-conference match to finish the doubleheader on Saturday.

In the opener, Averett (2-2, 1-0 USA South) rebounded from a slow start in which the Cougars dropped the first set 25-15 before taking the next three sets 25-20, 25-16 and 25-18 to begin the season 1-0 in conference play. Sophomore Lauren Montren led the way with a double-double of 17 kills and 11 digs, while junior Sarah Shropshire added 13 kills and nine digs. Freshman Erin Gray led the Cougars with 16 digs in the first match, while senior setter McKenzie Miller totaled 43 assists and 13 digs. As a team, Averett had nine service aces and hit .237 over the four sets.

In the second match, which counted as non-conference only, Averett fell by scores 25-15, 25-22 and 25-23 to Meredith (1-1, 0-1 USA South). The Cougars played many of their younger talent against the Avenging Angels in the second match of the day. Freshman Cathryn Estes led Averett with 14 kills, while freshman Makkenzie Compton had 24 assists. Gray had 12 digs, while Compton and Estes each had seven digs.

Averett returns to action on Tuesday at Mary Baldwin University in conference play.